Li Sumeng's eyes gleamed with confidence as she stood in the corridor, convinced her scheme had succeeded. She wasn't afraid of Jin Yunqiu seeking retribution. If she had managed to manipulate someone like Qin Jiuru, what was there to fear from any other young lady in the capital?
Hearing the laughter and conversation coming from the pavilion, she assumed her barbed comment had hit its mark. Filled with anticipation, she stepped out into the corridor to bask in her triumph.
"Truly laughable—" she began, her mocking tone clear.
The words died in her throat the moment she saw the group before her. Standing alongside Jin Yunqiu were none other than the esteemed Grand Princess He Linglong, the spirited Ninth Princess He Jinyu, and the very target of her scheme—Jiang Huaiyu.
For a fleeting moment, the corridor fell silent. The group collectively turned their attention to Li Sumeng, who suddenly felt a chill run down her spine.
He Linglong was the first to speak, her tone icy. "And who might you be, young lady? To speak so recklessly and behave so rudely—does your household lack elders to teach you decorum?"
The shift in the atmosphere was palpable. He Linglong's usual composure had given way to a rare display of displeasure, and the surrounding women exchanged glances, fully aware of the weight her words carried.
Meanwhile, Jiang Huaiyu tilted her head slightly, feigning confusion. "I'm curious—why would you claim my household has fallen on hard times and accuse me of wearing a dress identical to someone else's? As far as I can see, none of the ladies present are dressed alike."
Li Sumeng's face drained of color. She tried to summon a response, but words eluded her. Her earlier confidence crumbled as she realized the gravity of her blunder. Unwilling to face the shame, she let herself collapse weakly against the crimson railing.
A stifled laugh broke the tension, quickly followed by a ripple of chuckles from the group. Jiang Huaiyu, her voice laced with amusement, observed, "I've heard that people who faint can't move their eyes. I wonder, has this young lady truly fainted?"
Li Sumeng, still conscious but desperate to maintain her façade, forced herself to keep her eyes still. Tears of humiliation threatened to spill as she tried to maintain the perfect angle of vulnerability, hoping for a shred of pity.
He Linglong pressed her temple with a sigh, silently cursing the inefficiency of her household staff for allowing someone like Li Sumeng to receive an invitation. "Someone, take this young lady to rest. And be sure to inform her family of my words exactly as I've said them."
"Yes, Your Highness," replied one of the maids. Two servants stepped forward to escort Li Sumeng away, while a third followed behind, carrying out the Grand Princess's orders.
As they moved to leave, a group of young men rounded the corner. Dressed in luxurious robes adorned with jade and gold accents, they exuded nobility. Leading them was a man in a light yellow robe embroidered with four-clawed dragons—the Crown Prince, He Congming.
"Royal Sister, Royal Sister," he called out with a broad smile. "Why are you all standing here instead of joining us for a round of touhu? What's the commotion?"
In unison, the group of women curtsied and greeted him. Jiang Huaiyu, quick to observe and follow, dipped into a respectful bow. "Your Highness, may you live a thousand years."
"Please rise, everyone," the Crown Prince said, his tone warm and affable. Though his words were polite, his expression betrayed a hint of pride.
The maids escorting Li Sumeng stepped aside to make way for the princes, but He Congming's gaze fell on her pale face. Concern flashed across his features. "Is this young lady unwell?" he asked, his tone laced with worry.
He Linglong let out a dry laugh. "Perhaps."
Jiang Huaiyu suppressed a yawn, her thoughts swirling. Don't tell me this is one of those clichéd stories where the Crown Prince falls for her at first sight?
Unfortunately, reality seemed even more predictable. Sensing the Crown Prince's interest, Li Sumeng let out a soft, pitiful moan and fluttered her lashes as she slowly "awoke." Her tear-filled eyes met his, perfectly imitating a frightened doe.
"Nonsense," He Jinyu interjected, her blunt voice cutting through the moment. "Royal Brother, haven't you seen a woman before? Staring like that is unbecoming. Besides, we're here to admire chrysanthemums, not get distracted."
Though He Congming's expression stiffened, he quickly recovered, stepping aside with a gracious smile. "You're right, Royal Sister. I'll take these gentlemen ahead to discuss poetry. If you have time after your walk, perhaps you could join us to critique our work."
Before He Linglong could respond, He Jinyu tugged Jiang Huaiyu's hand, pulling her away. As they passed the Crown Prince's entourage, Jiang's eyes briefly landed on He Congjun, the third prince. His aura was strikingly different—more wolf than lion, sharp and solitary amidst the polished crowd.
Once they were some distance away, He Jinyu leaned closer to Jiang and whispered, "Don't worry about her. That woman will never amount to anything."
Jiang smiled faintly. "Whatever comes my way, I'll deal with it. There's nothing to fear."
He Jinyu nodded, impressed. "Well said. 'If the soldiers come, use the general to block them; if the water rises, use the soil to stop it.' You'd make an excellent drinking companion for the scholars!"
Jiang laughed lightly. "Hardly."
Before the conversation could continue, He Linglong chimed in with a playful tone. "You seem quite taken with Madam Jiang, Jinyu. Haven't you always said that the person who invented perfume must be a genius?"
Jinyu's eyes widened as realization dawned. "Wait—you're the one who created the perfume?"
Jiang deflected modestly, "I merely found an old recipe and experimented with it. That's all."
"Even so, that's impressive!" Jinyu exclaimed, her admiration growing.
The group continued their walk, discussing chrysanthemums and trading quips. Jiang felt her earlier annoyance with Li Sumeng dissipate as the beauty of the garden and the pleasant company soothed her spirits.
"Your insight is remarkable, Your Highness," Jiang said sincerely to He Linglong. "This garden is truly enchanting. To own such a place must be like living among the heavens."
He Linglong, touched by the compliment, smiled. "If you ever wish to visit, you're welcome anytime. I'll make the arrangements."
Jiang blinked in surprise before offering her thanks. "That's very generous of you, Your Highness."
When they returned to the pavilion, they found Li Sumeng standing beside the Crown Prince, her cheeks flushed as she watched him compose a poem. Jiang suppressed an eye roll. Could this get any more ridiculous?
He Linglong, however, was less amused. "Royal Brother," she said sharply, "shouldn't you conduct yourself with more decorum? Have you forgotten what Tutor Pei taught you about propriety?"
The Crown Prince's smile faltered before he recovered, addressing the group with forced charm. "Ladies, perhaps you could help us judge our poems after your walk."
He turned to Jiang, his gaze assessing. "Madam Jiang, since you've enjoyed the garden, why not compose a poem yourself? Surely you have thoughts to share."
All eyes turned to her expectantly. Jiang, unflustered, replied smoothly, "I appreciate your confidence in me, Your Highness, but I must confess—I don't know how to compose poetry."
The Crown Prince's smile froze. He had clearly intended to trap her, but her candid refusal left him with no opening to criticize her without seeming petty. He glanced at Li Sumeng, her tearful gaze imploring him to say something, but he found himself at a loss for words.